Gabrial McNair
Encyclopedia
Gabrial "Gabe" McNair is a multi-instrumentalist and composer, most famous for his work in No Doubt
since 1993 as a trombonist
, keyboardist
, and backing vocalist. He recorded and toured with Green Day
during the Nimrod and Warning
tours, playing trombone
and tenor saxophone
. He is currently in a band called Oslo
where he plays the guitar
.
in Glendora, California
. He played trombone in the marching band and snare drum
in the Scottish Pipe Band
. He was the first black drum major
for Glendora High School. After graduation, he went on to study Jazz
and Music Composition at Citrus College
, before moving on to California Institute of the Arts
to continue his studies with Charlie Haden
, Alex Iles
, Joe LaBarbera
, and David Roitstein.
, he also writes and records with fellow bandmate/producer, Tony Kanal
, in the studio on various recordings for Elan Atias
, Gwen Stefani
, and Pepper
.
McNair also works with Toby Record and his company All Ears Music, scoring films, documentaries, commercials, and television shows.
toured with Blue October
in the Fall of 2006 on the Foiled Tour
in the US and Canada.
Oslo
released their second full length album, called The Rise and Fall of Love and Hate, in 2007.
on her solo Harajuku Lovers Tour. He has currently joined Gwen once again on The Sweet Escape Tour
in 2007.
No Doubt
No Doubt is an American rock band from Anaheim, California that formed in 1986. The ska-pop sound of their first album No Doubt , failed to make an impact...
since 1993 as a trombonist
Trombone
The trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. Like all brass instruments, sound is produced when the player’s vibrating lips cause the air column inside the instrument to vibrate...
, keyboardist
Keyboard instrument
A keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
, and backing vocalist. He recorded and toured with Green Day
Green Day
Green Day is an American punk rock band formed in 1987. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Dirnt, and drummer Tre Cool...
during the Nimrod and Warning
Warning (Green Day album)
Warning is the sixth studio album by American punk rock band Green Day. It was released on October 3, 2000 through Reprise Records. Building upon its predecessor, Nimrod , the album eschewed the band's trademark punk rock sound and incorporated acoustic and pop rock elements...
tours, playing trombone
Trombone
The trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. Like all brass instruments, sound is produced when the player’s vibrating lips cause the air column inside the instrument to vibrate...
and tenor saxophone
Tenor saxophone
The tenor saxophone is a medium-sized member of the saxophone family, a group of instruments invented by Adolphe Sax in the 1840s. The tenor, with the alto, are the two most common types of saxophones. The tenor is pitched in the key of B, and written as a transposing instrument in the treble...
. He is currently in a band called Oslo
Oslo (band)
Oslo is a rock band based in California. They have existed together since 2001 as a trio, with a core of Mattia Borrani, Kerry Wayne James, and Gabrial McNair. They have since added keyboardist Damon Ramirez and went through twelve drummers, settling on original drummer Charlie Walker, who...
where he plays the guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
.
Early life and studies
McNair attended Glendora High SchoolGlendora High School
Glendora High School is located in Glendora, Los Angeles County, California, United States.-History:The high school was built in 1958 on the land owned by Clarks Gordan, an orange grower. The land contained oak trees which still grow on the school ground. The first graduating class of GHS was in...
in Glendora, California
Glendora, California
Glendora is a municipality in Los Angeles County, California, United States, east of downtown Los Angeles. As of the 2010 census, the population of Glendora was 50,073....
. He played trombone in the marching band and snare drum
Snare drum
The snare drum or side drum is a melodic percussion instrument with strands of snares made of curled metal wire, metal cable, plastic cable, or gut cords stretched across the drumhead, typically the bottom. Pipe and tabor and some military snare drums often have a second set of snares on the bottom...
in the Scottish Pipe Band
Pipe band
A pipe band is a musical ensemble consisting of pipers and drummers. The term used by military pipe bands, pipes and drums, is also common....
. He was the first black drum major
Drum Major
A drum major is the leader of a marching band, drum and bugle corps, or pipe band, usually positioned at the head of the band or corps. The drum major, who is often dressed in more ornate clothing than the rest of the band or corps, is responsible for providing commands to the ensemble regarding...
for Glendora High School. After graduation, he went on to study Jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
and Music Composition at Citrus College
Citrus College
Citrus College is a community college located in the Los Angeles suburb of Glendora, California; the Citrus Community College District which supports the school includes the communities of Glendora, Azusa, Charter Oak, Claremont, Monrovia, and Duarte. The school is the oldest public community...
, before moving on to California Institute of the Arts
California Institute of the Arts
The California Institute of the Arts, commonly referred to as CalArts, is located in Valencia, in Los Angeles County, California. It was incorporated in 1961 as the first degree-granting institution of higher learning in the United States created specifically for students of both the visual and the...
to continue his studies with Charlie Haden
Charlie Haden
Charles Edward Haden is an American jazz musician. He is a double bassist, probably best known for his long association with saxophonist Ornette Coleman...
, Alex Iles
Alex Iles
Alexander "Alex" Iles is an American musician who serves as a trombone and jazz instructor at the California Institute of the Arts and California State University, Northridge and has recorded and performed with many of the musical profession's most celebrated artists.Alex Iles appears frequently as...
, Joe LaBarbera
Joe LaBarbera
Joe LaBarbera is an American jazz drummer and composer. He is best known for his recordings and live performances with the trio of pianist Bill Evans in the final years of Evans's career. Prior to joining Evans he worked in the quartet of Chuck Mangione and Joe Farrell.- Early life :He was born...
, and David Roitstein.
Collaboration
During the hiatus of No DoubtNo Doubt
No Doubt is an American rock band from Anaheim, California that formed in 1986. The ska-pop sound of their first album No Doubt , failed to make an impact...
, he also writes and records with fellow bandmate/producer, Tony Kanal
Tony Kanal
Tony Kanal is an English musician, record producer and songwriter. Kanal is the bassist for the American rock band No Doubt...
, in the studio on various recordings for Elan Atias
Elan Atias
Elan Atias is an American Jewish, singer/songwriter, reggae singer. Atias performed with The Wailers, which had been the backing band for Bob Marley, on and off from 1997 to 2010. He was signed to London Records under the WMG umbrella in January 2000. He was featured on the Sex and the City...
, Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani
Gwen Renée Stefani is an American singer-songwriter and fashion designer. Stefani is the lead vocalist for the rock and ska band No Doubt. Stefani recorded her first solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. in 2004. The album was inspired by music of the 1980s, and was a success with sales of over...
, and Pepper
Pepper (band)
Pepper is a rock band originally from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The band's music is often classified as a combination of reggae, dub and rock. The band consists of vocalist/guitarist Kaleo Wassman, vocalist/bassist Bret Bollinger, and drummer Yesod Williams...
.
McNair also works with Toby Record and his company All Ears Music, scoring films, documentaries, commercials, and television shows.
With Oslo
His band OsloOslo (band)
Oslo is a rock band based in California. They have existed together since 2001 as a trio, with a core of Mattia Borrani, Kerry Wayne James, and Gabrial McNair. They have since added keyboardist Damon Ramirez and went through twelve drummers, settling on original drummer Charlie Walker, who...
toured with Blue October
Blue October
Blue October is a rock band from Houston, Texas. The band was formed in 1995 and currently consists of Justin Furstenfeld , Jeremy Furstenfeld , Ryan Delahoussaye , Matt Noveskey , and Julian Mandrake .-History:Blue October was formed by lead...
in the Fall of 2006 on the Foiled Tour
Foiled
Foiled is the fourth album by Blue October. The album was certified gold in the United States on August 9, 2006, and on February 22, 2007, was certified platinum. The album is also popular in Canada where it has also achieved platinum status....
in the US and Canada.
Oslo
Oslo (band)
Oslo is a rock band based in California. They have existed together since 2001 as a trio, with a core of Mattia Borrani, Kerry Wayne James, and Gabrial McNair. They have since added keyboardist Damon Ramirez and went through twelve drummers, settling on original drummer Charlie Walker, who...
released their second full length album, called The Rise and Fall of Love and Hate, in 2007.
With Gwen Stefani
In the late 2005, McNair went on tour with fellow band member Gwen StefaniGwen Stefani
Gwen Renée Stefani is an American singer-songwriter and fashion designer. Stefani is the lead vocalist for the rock and ska band No Doubt. Stefani recorded her first solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. in 2004. The album was inspired by music of the 1980s, and was a success with sales of over...
on her solo Harajuku Lovers Tour. He has currently joined Gwen once again on The Sweet Escape Tour
The Sweet Escape Tour
The Sweet Escape Tour is the second concert tour by American pop and rock singer Gwen Stefani. The tour began in April 2007 in support of her second solo album The Sweet Escape.-About the show:...
in 2007.
With Smashing Pumpkins
He joined the Smashing Pumpkins on their 20th Anniversary Tour, playing the trombone.Selected discography
- Beacon Street Collection (No DoubtNo DoubtNo Doubt is an American rock band from Anaheim, California that formed in 1986. The ska-pop sound of their first album No Doubt , failed to make an impact...
, 1995) - Tragic KingdomTragic KingdomTragic Kingdom is the third studio album by the American third wave ska band No Doubt. It was released on October 10, 1995, on Trauma Records, a division of Interscope Records. The album was produced by Matthew Wilder, mixed by Paul Palmer, and recorded in 11 studios in the Greater Los Angeles Area...
(No DoubtNo DoubtNo Doubt is an American rock band from Anaheim, California that formed in 1986. The ska-pop sound of their first album No Doubt , failed to make an impact...
, 1995) - Hang-UpsHang-Ups-Personnel:Goldfinger*John Feldmann – guitar, vocals*Charlie Paulson – guitar, vocals*Darrin Pfeiffer – drums, vocals*Simon Williams – bass, vocalsAdditional musicians*Keyboards – Paul Hampton, except "It Isn't Just Me" by Chris Johnson...
(GoldfingerGoldfinger (band)Goldfinger is a Los Angeles pop punk/ska punk band that formed in 1994. Currently, the band is composed of vocalist/guitarist John Feldmann, guitarist Charlie Paulson, bassist Kelly LeMieux, and drummer Darrin Pfeiffer...
, 1996) - Nimrod (Green DayGreen DayGreen Day is an American punk rock band formed in 1987. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Dirnt, and drummer Tre Cool...
, 1997) - The Nixons (The NixonsThe NixonsThe Nixons were an American post-grunge rock band, finding some commercial success in the mid-1990s.-Band history:The Nixons were founded in Oklahoma City by singer/guitarist Zac Maloy, guitarist Jesse Davis, bassist Ricky Brooks, and drummer Tye Robison...
, 1997) - Americana (The OffspringThe OffspringThe Offspring is an American punk rock band from Huntington Beach, California, formed in 1984. Known as Manic Subsidal until 1986, the band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Dexter Holland, lead guitarist Kevin "Noodles" Wasserman, bassist Greg K. and drummer Pete Parada...
, 1998) - Rugrats: The Movie (Original Soundtrack, 1998)
- Hitler Bad, Vandals GoodHitler Bad, Vandals GoodHitler Bad, Vandals Good is the seventh studio album by the southern California punk rock band The Vandals, released in 1998 by Nitro Records. Much of the album is characterized by the pop-punk music and humorous lyrics for which the band is known, and it became their most popular and commercially...
(The VandalsThe VandalsThe Vandals are an American rock band established in 1980 in Huntington Beach, California. They have released ten full-length studio albums and two live albums and have toured the world extensively, including performances on the Vans Warped Tour...
, 1998) - ShowoffShowoff (album)Showoff is Showoff's self-titled album is their first major label record, released on Maverick Records.- Track listing :# Backstab# Spill# Ralphie# Falling Star# Bully# Second Chance# Someone# This Time# Unspoken Words# Tell Me# Gone# Coalition...
(Showoff, 1999) - Darrin's Coconut Ass: Live from OmahaDarrin's Coconut Ass: Live from OmahaDarrin's Coconut Ass: Live from Omaha is a live album by ska punk band Goldfinger.This album is a self-described 'stop gap' for Goldfinger during the release of their second and third full length albums. All tracks are covers almost all of which were recorded live, with only 3 receiving over dubs...
(GoldfingerGoldfinger (band)Goldfinger is a Los Angeles pop punk/ska punk band that formed in 1994. Currently, the band is composed of vocalist/guitarist John Feldmann, guitarist Charlie Paulson, bassist Kelly LeMieux, and drummer Darrin Pfeiffer...
, 1999) - Playmate of The YearPlaymate of the Year (album)Playmate of the Year is the third studio album released by American punk rock band Zebrahead, it is also their final album released via Columbia Records....
(ZebraheadZebraheadZebrahead is an American punk rock band from Orange County, California, which fuses elements of Rapcore, Pop Punk, Alternative Rock, Alternative Metal, and Funk Metal.-1996–98: Formation:...
, 2000) - Return of SaturnReturn of SaturnReturn of Saturn is the fourth studio album by the American rock band No Doubt, released on April 11, 2000 by Interscope Records. After touring for two and a half years to promote their breakthrough third studio album, Tragic Kingdom, No Doubt wrote several dozen songs for its follow-up and...
(No DoubtNo DoubtNo Doubt is an American rock band from Anaheim, California that formed in 1986. The ska-pop sound of their first album No Doubt , failed to make an impact...
, 2000) - AtomicAtomic (album)Atomic is Lit's third album, released on October 16, 2001. It peaked at #36 on the Billboard 200."Happy In The Meantime" is located on the soundtrack for Mr. Deeds and is played as the credits roll....
(Lit, 2001) - Destination Unknown (MestMestMest was a pop punk band from Blue Island, Illinois. The band's lineup, prior to their breakup in 2006, consisted of vocalist and guitarist Tony Lovato, guitarist Jeremiah Rangel, bassist Matt Lovato, and drummer Nick Gigler...
, 2001) - Rock Steady (No DoubtNo DoubtNo Doubt is an American rock band from Anaheim, California that formed in 1986. The ska-pop sound of their first album No Doubt , failed to make an impact...
, 2001) - Tune in Tokyo (Green DayGreen DayGreen Day is an American punk rock band formed in 1987. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Dirnt, and drummer Tre Cool...
, 2001) - Clear (The Color Red, 2002)
- Thank You, Uncle Tom (Caramelize, 2003)
- 50 First Dates50 First Dates50 First Dates is a 2004 American romantic comedy film directed by Peter Segal and written by George Wing. The film stars Adam Sandler as a woman-chasing veterinarian and Drew Barrymore as an amnesiac, along with Rob Schneider, Sean Astin, Lusia Strus, Blake Clark, and Dan Aykroyd.Most of the film...
(Original Soundtrack, 2004) - True LoveTrue Love (Toots & the Maytals album)True Love is an album by Toots & the Maytals. It is a collection of Toots & the Maytals classics re-recorded with guest artists including Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, No Doubt, Ben Harper, Ryan Adams, Keith Richards and The Skatalites....
(Toots & the MaytalsToots & the MaytalsToots and the Maytals, originally called simply The Maytals, are a Jamaican musical group and one of the best known ska and reggae vocal groups. According to Sandra Brennan at Allmusic, "The Maytals were key figures in reggae music...
, 2004) - LitLit (album)Lit is Lit's fourth album, and their first all-new disc in three years. It also marks the first album issued by their new label Nitrus Records/DRT Entertainment. The album was recorded at World Class Audio in Anaheim and The Pool House in Fullerton, California...
(Lit, 2005) - One LoveOne Love (Kimberley Locke album)One Love is the debut album of American Idol contestant Kimberley Locke. According to SoundScan, total sales of the album to date is approximately 213,000 copies.-Track listing:# "8th World Wonder" – 3:59...
(Kimberley LockeKimberley LockeKimberley Dawn Locke is an American singer-songwriter and model. She has recorded in the dance, pop and adult contemporary music genres....
, 2005) - Disconnection NoticeDisconnection Notice-Personnel:*John Feldmann – rhythm guitar, lead vocals* Brian Arthur – lead guitar*Kelly LeMieux – bass*Darrin Pfeiffer – drums- Notes :Track No. 1, "My Everything", was featured on the soundtrack of the video game SSX on Tour....
(GoldfingerGoldfinger (band)Goldfinger is a Los Angeles pop punk/ska punk band that formed in 1994. Currently, the band is composed of vocalist/guitarist John Feldmann, guitarist Charlie Paulson, bassist Kelly LeMieux, and drummer Darrin Pfeiffer...
, 2005) - Look at All the Love We FoundLook at All the Love We FoundLook at All the Love We Found is a tribute album by various artists dedicated to Sublime, released on June 21, 2005 . The title comes from a lyric in the song "S.T.P." on Sublime's Robbin' the Hood album.-Track listing:...
(Various, 2005) - Oslo (OsloOslo (band)Oslo is a rock band based in California. They have existed together since 2001 as a trio, with a core of Mattia Borrani, Kerry Wayne James, and Gabrial McNair. They have since added keyboardist Damon Ramirez and went through twelve drummers, settling on original drummer Charlie Walker, who...
, 2005) - Wikked Lil' GrrrlsWikked Lil' GrrrlsWikked Lil' Grrrls is Canadian American singer Esthero's second album, her first full-length in seven years....
(EstheroEstheroEsthero ,born Jenny-Bea Englishman, is a Canadian singer-songwriter who currently lives in Los Angeles, California. The name Esthero refers both to the singer and formerly to the two-person team of herself and producer Doc McKinney...
, 2005) - Together as One (ElanElan AtiasElan Atias is an American Jewish, singer/songwriter, reggae singer. Atias performed with The Wailers, which had been the backing band for Bob Marley, on and off from 1997 to 2010. He was signed to London Records under the WMG umbrella in January 2000. He was featured on the Sex and the City...
, 2006) - Harajuku Lovers LiveHarajuku Lovers LiveHarajuku Lovers Live is a video album by American recording artist Gwen Stefani, released on DVD on December 5, 2006, under the Interscope record label. The DVD was directed by Sophie Muller and produced by Oil Factory Productions. It is a recording of one of Stefani's concerts during her Harajuku...
(Gwen StefaniGwen StefaniGwen Renée Stefani is an American singer-songwriter and fashion designer. Stefani is the lead vocalist for the rock and ska band No Doubt. Stefani recorded her first solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. in 2004. The album was inspired by music of the 1980s, and was a success with sales of over...
, 2006) - No ShameNo ShameNo Shame is the fourth album by Hawaiian band Pepper. Released on October 3, 2006, it features production from Nick Hexum of 311, Tony Kanal of No Doubt, and Sublime producer Paul Leary....
(PepperPepper (band)Pepper is a rock band originally from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The band's music is often classified as a combination of reggae, dub and rock. The band consists of vocalist/guitarist Kaleo Wassman, vocalist/bassist Bret Bollinger, and drummer Yesod Williams...
, 2006) - Songs We SingSongs We Sing-2006 Brushfire Records release:Songs We Sing was re-released in 2006 by Brushfire Records, owned by fellow musician Jack Johnson and his wife. The album featured new songs and a different track list....
(Matt CostaMatt CostaMatthew Albert Costa is a singer-songwriter from Huntington Beach, California.He has five independent releases: two self-recorded EPs, and three full-length CDs released via Brushfire Records.-Life:...
, 2006) - The Sweet EscapeThe Sweet EscapeThe Sweet Escape is the second and final solo studio album by American recording artist Gwen Stefani, released in the United States on December 5, 2006 by Interscope Records. Having originally intended to return to No Doubt after her 2004 solo album Love. Angel. Music...
(Gwen StefaniGwen StefaniGwen Renée Stefani is an American singer-songwriter and fashion designer. Stefani is the lead vocalist for the rock and ska band No Doubt. Stefani recorded her first solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. in 2004. The album was inspired by music of the 1980s, and was a success with sales of over...
, 2006) - The Rise and Fall of Love and Hate (OsloOslo (band)Oslo is a rock band based in California. They have existed together since 2001 as a trio, with a core of Mattia Borrani, Kerry Wayne James, and Gabrial McNair. They have since added keyboardist Damon Ramirez and went through twelve drummers, settling on original drummer Charlie Walker, who...
), 2007